Prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy, Colt was planning to introduce 7 new AR variants at the SHOT Show in January of 2013. High Standard was prepared to bring several models of AR rifles to the market as well. Nosler was scheduled to introduce the Varmageddon Rifle, an AR variant for varmint hunting. Remington had a new R-15 rifle with several variations planned for release. Sig Sauer has the 516 PRM and Sig 400 Predator rifle with new options.

Undoubtedly there are many more such rifles and carbines that were planned for release to the market for 2013. I suspect that some of these makers will have already pulled these new offerings from the show. Why, because they have already used up all the parts they have on hand to make and sell current models. The handwriting is on the wall, there will be some heavy new restrictions on semi-autos soon… barring a miracle.

The AR market has been hot for years now. Part of the reason for this is because veterans come home and want to own the rifle that they trained on in the military. Since Vets cannot get an M16 or M4 in civilian life, they opt for the AR-15 because is looks similar and has similar handling characteristics. This habit of wanting the gun you trained with has been common since time in memorial. Then Hollywood helps build interest in certain guns as well.

It will be interesting to see what new laws are around the corner and how it will effect the manufacturing business. In my local area there are several manufacturers who build either AR parts or complete guns. So they will be forced, in all likelihood, to move on to other guns, or perhaps out of the gun business altogether. A bigger concern is that these new laws will be job killers, and it is almost certain that they will cause lay-offs as companies scramble to revamp their offerings.